The 2025 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) scholarship programme held a ceremony in Ha Noi on December 1 to honour three outstanding female scientists whose breakthrough research contributes to addressing urgent global challenges related to climate change, artificial intelligence, and energy security.

Three outstanding female scientists conducting research in climate, AI and energy.

The event also marked 16 years of the programme’s steadfast efforts in accompanying, nurturing, and providing a launchpad for Vietnamese female scientists to reach the international stage.

Since 2009, the FWIS programme has honoured 41 Vietnamese female scientists, along with many notable research achievements.

This programme is part of the global L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, which has recognised more than 4,700 female scientists, including seven who later received the Nobel Prize after being honoured.

The FWIS 2025 Jury reviewed more than 100 scientific proposals and selected three outstanding projects that met the criteria of scientific vision, high applicability, and practical contributions to sustainable development.

Associate Professor, Dr To Thi Mai Huong from the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi – USTH was awarded a scholarship for her research on applying precise gene-editing technology to reduce methane emissions from rice plants — an important solution for low-emission agriculture in the context of climate change.

Associate Professor, Dr Pham Kim Ngoc from University of Science, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, was recognised for her research on developing memristor devices and in-memory computing (IMC) architectures, paving the way for energy-efficient AI hardware systems and overcoming the “bottlenecks” of traditional computer models.

Dr Le Linh from Stanford University, the US, impressed the Jury with her research on advanced materials for high–energy–density Lithium–Sulphur (Li–S) batteries, opening prospects for enhancing battery performance, reducing costs, and promoting the energy transition, particularly in the electric vehicle sector.

Speaking at the scholarship ceremony, Wagih Ahmed, General Director of L’Oréal Viet Nam, affirmed: “The world needs science and science needs women,” emphasising that the FWIS programme demonstrates that when women are given opportunities, they can make groundbreaking contributions to society.

Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam, noted that supporting women in science is not merely an encouragement, but “an investment in our shared future”, enabling science to reach its full potential when women’s representation is ensured.

The 2025 FWIS honouring ceremony continues to open opportunities for Vietnamese female scientists to pursue long-term, meaningful research projects, contributing to shaping a sustainable future for the nation and the world.

The achievements of the three scientists are a testament to the talent, perseverance, and dedication of Vietnamese female intellectuals in their journey to conquer scientific knowledge.

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